MICHAEL JACKSON is suffering from an acute MRSA-type skin infection which threatens to EAT his flesh.
The singer has been receiving antibiotics via a drip in a bid to beat the superbug, which sources say has spread throughout his body.
Jacko, 50, revealed painfully-inflamed skin on his face and hands as he visited a Beverly Hills clinic where he is being treated.
The stricken pop legend may have contracted the infection following plastic surgery on his NOSE, it was feared last night.
The 50-year-old Billie Jean singer is said to have a severe “staph” infection, resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Experts warned it threatened to develop into a terrifying flesh-eating disorder which could kill off areas of the superstar’s skin and leave him in need of major reconstructive surgery.
Jacko has been receiving antibiotics via an IV drip in a bid to beat the condition.
But the skin on his face and hands looked inflamed when he was snapped on his way to a Beverly Hills clinic during another week of intense treatment.
A source revealed last night: “Michael Jackson has a severe staph infection that he contracted during work to reconstruct his nose.
“The disease is an MRSA-style infection because it is resistant to conventional antibiotics, so he has been visiting a clinic to get antibiotics via an IV drip.
“The infection has spread throughout his face and body and is being aggressively treated by doctors.
“There’s a chance it could turn into a flesh-eating disorder where it begins to kill off his skin so he’s being very carefully monitored.”
Swollen
Jackson was seen twice visiting the same clinic within a week.
He emerged with his face covered by dark sunglasses and a surgical mask — and with his hair hidden behind a surgical cap.
The usually-pale skin on his hands and face appeared visibly inflamed with red and purple blotches and he appeared to have a severely swollen cheek.
US celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Anthony Youn, who has not treated Jacko but has viewed the shocking photos of the star, said: “It is possible that Mr Jackson has a staph infection or MRSA.
“This is called a ‘super-infection’ because it is resistant to conventional antibiotics. It does look like his skin is red and inflamed and has become infected.
“Staph infection or MRSA is extremely worrying because it is an aggressive infection that is resistant to most conventional antibiotics.
“In some worse cases surgeons will have to remove the infected tissue if it dies — leaving the patient needing major reconstructive surgery. It is particularly worrying if it is on the face.”
Dr Youn, who runs The Hills Plastic Surgery and Laser Centre and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, said: “Many people in the health-care system can contract this disease via cuts to the skin.
“But it is possible Mr Jackson contracted it through surgery on his nose. There are occasions where patients contract the infection during plastic surgery procedures.
“Doctors try to treat the infection early with antibiotics administered via IV drip — and in many cases the patient can make a good recovery if it is caught early enough.”
Jackson’s increasingly frail appearance has prompted speculation about the state of his health.
Last month Ian Halperin, author of a Jackson biography, claimed the singer was suffering from potentially fatal lung disease. But Jackson’s spokesman dismissed this as a “total fabrication”.
He added: “Mr Jackson is in fine health, and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances.”
The spokesman refused to return calls last night.
Masked ... Jackson greets fans on his way to the clinic for treatment
Jackson has always insisted he suffers from a skin condition called vitiligo, a chronic skin disease which causes loss of pigment.
Despite the dramatic changes to his appearance, he admits only to having two minor cosmetic procedures. He has admitted to minor work on his nose to help him breathe.
Last summer, the star was seen being pushed in a wheelchair as he approached his 50th birthday. The gaunt singer was clad in pyjamas and slippers.
Witnesses described the skin on his hands peeling off — almost like that of a snake.
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